Contagious || Ghost x Fem

𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

A soft knock at your door interrupted you unpacking the many bags you had. You turned towards the knocking, and you felt a sense of curiosity tinged with anticipation. Opening the door as it creaked open, you were met with the masked face of Keegan. "Hey, Serpent. Mind if I come in?" he asked, his tone casual yet carrying a hint of intrigue. You nodded, welcoming him into the room. The door closed behind him and he glanced around, his masked expression giving away little. "Just wanted to see how you're settling in. Everything alright?" He asked with genuine concern. You looked around the room, still in the process of arranging your belongings. "It's a bit different from what I'm used to, but I'll manage," you replied, offering a small smile.

He leaned against a wall, his gaze lingering on the sparse decorations in the room. "Yeah, this place has its charm, I suppose." There was a pause as if he was contemplating something. His masked gaze shifted to you, and he seemed to weigh his words carefully. "Those guys back there... they're not exactly rolling out the welcome mat." You sighed, understanding the sentiment. "I think they're still dealing with the loss of Roach and Yuri. It hit them hard." He let out a huff and responded, "It doesn't give them an excuse to be assholes to us. We just got here, it's not like we're purposely trying to replace people." You nodded, recognizing Keegan's straightforward perspective. "True, but everyone processes loss differently." Keegan sighed, the sound muffled by his mask. "I get it. Doesn't mean I have to like it, though."

Keegan walked over to the desk and sat down in the chair, his fingers idly tapping against the desk's surface. "They'll warm up eventually, right?" He asked to which you nodded, "I hope so. We just need to prove ourselves, show them we're here to contribute." He leaned back, crossing his arms. "Hope you're right. I didn't sign up for this to be an outcast." You kept unpacking, deciding to give your perspective. "I didn't sign up for a popularity contest. As long as we have Gaz, each other, and Price, we'll be fine. The missions are what matter." His masked gaze held a certain intensity as if trying to gauge your commitment.

A sudden knock at the door stopped your conversation with Keegan. Both of you turned towards the sound, wondering who might be seeking your attention. As you opened the door, a figure stood in the doorway. It was Soap, his expression the same as before. "Price wants us in the briefing room." The timing seemed almost too perfect as if he arrived just in time to redirect your focus from the internal dynamics of the team. "Why are you still sitting on your arse? Let's go." He said motioning at the door and looking at Keegan. "You got a problem body wash?" Keegan said standing up from the chair.

Soap's expression tightened, and he retorted, "Problem? Yea, I've got a problem with good soldiers being replaced by newcomers who don't deserve their spots." Keegan squared his shoulders, his frustration evident. "We're not here to replace anyone. We've got our skills, and we're part of this team now whether you like it or not." Soap's anger boiled over, "You think just because Price vouches for both of you, you're automatically one of us yea? You've got a lot to prove." Tired of the childish argument, you chimed in. "We're not asking for your approval, Soap. We're here to do a job, just like you." Soap scoffed in response.

"You think just because you've been doing this longer, you're some kind of expert? I've handled missions you wouldn't survive." Keegan said pointing a finger at Soap. "Experience matters, dumbass. It's not about surviving one mission; it's about lasting in this line of work. Can you handle that?" The echoes of their clash reverberated through the hallway, a discordant symphony of unresolved tensions. The argument became a battleground, each word a weapon aimed at the vulnerabilities of the other. "Well your friends didn't last so what does that say about them?" Soap's jaw clenched, and for a moment, the room held its breath.